DISEASES OF SWINE 523 



The scab symptoms of swine mange show most plainly on 

 white hogs, but white hogs do not seem to suffer more from the 

 disease than dark-colored hogs. In our observations the darker 

 colored pigs seern to suffer more from the disease than white, but 

 this seems to be due to the fact that darker colored pigs, as a rule, 

 have heavier coats of hair. There is a rather common impression 

 that light-colored or white swine sunburn in the Southern States. 

 From observations, both in Virginia and Cuba, we do not think 

 this is true, but we are inclined to the opinion that the so-called 

 sunburn is swine mange, which is more noticeable, but not more 

 common or severe, on white pigs. 



Swine mange is spread by direct contact with an infected ani- 

 mal or by infected quarters, bedding, etc. The disease is more 

 severe and symptoms more pronounced during the winter season. 

 This is probably caused by the cold weather decreasing the circula- 

 tion in the pig's skin, and by a lack of a variety of food, such as 

 is not usually available in the summer. It is possible that the sun- 

 light in summer, also, has an injurious effect upon the parasites. 

 As a general rule, unless swine are severely infested, the disease 

 largely disappears during the summer when the pigs are allowed 

 to run on pasture. European writers state that swine mange may 

 be transmitted to man, upon whom the parasite will live a few 

 days. We have not received reports of any such cases. 



The treatment of swine mange consists in the external applica- 

 tion of substances that will kill the parasite without injuring the 

 animal, and the disinfection of the quarters so that the animal will 

 not become infected again. In addition to the medicinal and san- 

 itary treatment, it is also important to give the animals good care 

 and plenty of nourishing food, as a thin, unthrifty pig is particu- 

 larly susceptible to the disease. There are many medicinal sub- 

 stances that will kill the parasites and cure swine mange when 

 properly applied. In our work we have considered particularly 

 the ease with which the remedy could be procured and applied, 

 its efficiency and economy. 



The best form to apply the remedy is in a solution or emul- 

 sion that can be applied to all parts of the pig's body. Ointments 

 applied to the visibly affected parts of the skin are useful in keep- 

 ing the disease in check, but the whole surface of the pig's body 

 should be thoroughly treated, in order to complete a cure. This 

 is best done by dipping the pig, or by scrubbing or hand dressing 

 where dipping is not practical. (Va. B. 189.) 



This affection of the pig is frequently alluded to in journals 

 devoted to the swine industry, and is described in nearly all of the 

 old works on diseases of swine. It is a rare affection and of little 

 economic importance. Because of the disease being so frequently 

 mentioned, we include it with the other parasitic diseases, although 

 we have never seen a case in this State. 



Hogs have two forms of mange; the sarcoptic form, and the 

 demodetic form. The demodex of the pig is a worm-like parasite, 

 shaped something like a laurel leaf and about one one-hundredth of 



